Although, a little late (or early) for Christmas, I was delighted to read A Taste of Christmas earlier this month. It was a little book I picked up from the Second City Signing from the author herself, and I am very happy that I did!

Title: A Taste of Christmas [Dublin Style]

Author: Krissy V

Genre: Festive, holiday romance, contemporary, chick-lit

Date released: December 5th, 2014

Length: 169 pages

Blurb: My name is Nollaig, it’s the Irish word for Christmas. I hate my name. My parents loved Christmas and that’s why they gave me such a festive name, together with the fact that I was born on Christmas Day.

However, my parents are no longer with us after dying in a car accident on Christmas Eve, five years ago.

Now I hate Christmas all together.

I always hated the fact that everyone got presents on my birthday. Now my parents are gone and ever since then I just don’t feel like celebrating Christmas. Everything about this holiday gives me sad memories.

I need a miracle to happen over the Christmas holiday to make me change my mind about Christmas.

Who knew that a quick shopping trip would provide me with the miracle that I so desperately needed?

REVIEW ***** (5* rating)

A Taste of Christmas is the ideal festive romance story to read, especially during advent, whether you enjoy Christmas or not. It is a super, sweet romance between characters Nollaig and Tully that takes you through most of December from the moment that they meet up in mid-December until New Year’s Eve.

The contrasting attitudes that Nollaig and Tully have towards the festive period make for a very interesting read, and enables readers to empathise with at least one of the main characters, creating a connection with the reader immediately. Nollaig cannot get away from Christmas no matter how much she tries. Her name is the Irish word for Christmas, and her birthday falls on Christmas day, meaning that one special day of the year meant just for her is actually shared with everybody she knows, taking the edge off her day! To top it all off she lost her parents on Christmas Eve. So, yes, Christmas is and always will be grim for Nollaig.

But, her life takes a turn when one day when out shopping she stumbles into musician, Tully, in a most embarrassing way. Tully is a very warm, kind and caring character who absolutely loves the festivities. And, over the course of the story it becomes clear just how magical Christmas can be as he empathises with Nollaig, yet tries to show her just how beautiful it can be. Will Nollaig appreciate Tully’s efforts, or is it too much too soon?

I love how the author has made both of these characters patient with each other, and they both give each other a chance, rather than giving up. The conflict of the story is their opposing views, which is a little overwhelming at times for Nollaig; sometimes in an exciting way, and other times in an emotional way. This couple are just so cute for each other, the reader is constantly rooting for a nice outcome.

It is a lovely, warm story that is sure to warm up any cold winter. And so, if you’re looking for a winter read while the season is still upon us, or whether you want to make your Christmas list early for December 2016, A Taste of Christmas is perfect for you!

A Taste of Christmas by Krissy V is available at Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker